How to Treat or Cure Headache

Treatment depends on the type of headache. Most headaches respond to simple measures, while migraine and cluster headache often need specific medicines.

Step 1: Rule out danger

Call 112 or 102 for a sudden severe headache, the worst of your life, fever with stiff neck, weakness, speech or vision change, confusion, seizure or a head injury.

Step 2: Treat the attack

• Tension-type: rest, fluids, relaxation, and paracetamol or ibuprofen at normal doses.
• Migraine: treat early. Rest in a dark, quiet room, take a painkiller or a migraine-specific medicine prescribed by a doctor, and anti-nausea medicine if needed.
• Cluster: needs a doctor. Oxygen therapy and special injections or sprays are used.
• Sinus headache: treat the sinus problem. Many cases are actually migraine.
• Medication-overuse: a doctor guides a planned withdrawal.

Step 3: Prevent attacks

Healthy routine, trigger avoidance and, when needed, preventive medicines.

Step 4: Add supportive care

Relaxation, yoga, physiotherapy for neck tension and, if you wish, Ayurvedic care as an adjunct under a qualified practitioner.

When to see a doctor

Headaches that are frequent, getting worse, new after age 50, wake you from sleep, or occur in pregnancy.

Key point

Early treatment and good habits control most headaches. Red flags need emergency care.

Before your appointment

Keep a headache diary for a few weeks, noting when headaches start, how long they last, their location and type of pain, and possible triggers such as sleep, meals, stress, periods and screen time. List all medicines, supplements and painkillers you take and how many days a month you use them. Mention head injuries, family history, and any red flag symptoms.